Outside the front gates, heavy car tires screeched against the black driveway asphalt.
A sleek black luxury car sped up the long circular driveway very fast.
The powerful vehicle ground to a sudden complete stop right near the entrance.
The heavy dark wooden front mansion doors swung wide open with great force.
Marcus stepped through the entryway with two tall security guards right behind him.
He wore a sharp tailored black suit and a very serious facial expression.
He had returned early from his important downtown business meeting in the city.
The sound of heavy baby crying had reached his ears from the driveway.
Marcus: Dominic?! What on earth is going on in my house right now?!
Marcus stopped dead in his tracks on the bright clean marble floor.
His dark eyes widened in deep shock as he scanned the grand foyer.
He saw Clara kneeling on the floor, cradling his crying little boy tightly.
He saw Victoria standing over them with her arm raised up high in anger.
Victoria: Marcus, darling! Thank goodness you are finally back home safely!
Victoria instantly changed her voice to sound sweet, soft, and completely innocent.
Victoria: This crazy maid was trying to run off with your precious baby!
Clara lifted her tearful face up toward Marcus with wide honest eyes.
Clara: That is a complete lie, Mr. Marcus, please listen to me!
Victoria: Do not listen to a word this simple servant tells you, Marcus!
Clara: She tried to hurt your sweet son because he was crying softly!
A deep sub-bass rumble of tension seemed to fill the large silent room.
Marcus took three long steps forward until he stood right between the women.
He looked down at his crying son who was reaching his arms toward him.
Marcus: Is this true, Victoria? Were you screaming at my helpless child?
Victoria: Of course not, my love! I was only trying to quiet him down!
Clara: Look at the security camera mounted right above the American flag art!
Victoria's face turned completely pale when Clara pointed up toward the wall.
She had forgotten that Marcus had installed new cameras in every main room.
Marcus looked up at the small red light blinking quietly on the wall.
Marcus: My house security system records every single sound and movement made inside.
Victoria took a quick step back, her expensive confidence disappearing in an instant.
Her hands began to shake as she smoothed down her blue designer dress.
Victoria: Marcus, sweetheart, please let me explain what really happened just now.
Marcus: You do not need to explain anything to me ever again, Victoria.